Skip to main content
Home

Top Navigation

  • Our Partners
  • Contact
  • About Us

Help Phone Lines

If you are in need of immediate help, call 9-1-1.

Crisis Line

1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433)

Call if you are experiencing feelings of distress or despair, including thoughts of suicide.

310 Mental Health Support

310-6789 (NO AREA CODE)

Call for emotional support, information and resources specific to mental health.

KUU-US Crisis Response Service

1-800-588-8717

Call for culturally-aware crisis support for Indigenous peoples in B.C.

Wellbeing

Main navigation

  • Wellbeing
    • Healthy Living
      • Eating Well
      • Staying Active
      • Sleep Habits
      • Mindfulness
    • Emotional
      • Resilience
      • Self-Esteem
      • Loneliness
    • Social
      • Stigma
      • Family
    Image
    Woman outside looking off to the right

    What is Mindfulness?

    You can use mindfulness every day. It’s a tool you can use at any time. It helps you slow down, accept things as they are, cope well with problems, and simply appreciate what’s in your life right now.

    Learn more
  • Mental health
    • Anxiety
      • What to Do About Anxiety
      • Panic Attacks
      • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
    • Depression
      • Symptoms of Depression
      • What to Do About Depression
    • Stress
      • Symptoms of Stress
      • COVID-19 Stress
      • Managing Stress
    • Seeking Help
      • Families Supporting Youth
      • Youth Supporting Themselves
    • Self-Harm
    • Suicide
    Image
    Man sits on couch, looking at smart phone

    Getting Help for Depression

    At first, you may find depression hard to notice in yourself or someone else. Learn what you can do if you are experiencing depression.

    Learn more
  • Substance use
    • Types of Substance Use
      • Alcohol
      • Opioids
      • Stimulants
    • Addiction
      • Addiction and Health
      • Treatment and Recovery
    • Harm Reduction
      • Overdose Prevention
      • Naloxone
      • Drug Checking
    Image
    Two men standing and laughing by a brick wall

    Drinking and Your Health

    Alcohol is a substance that can be enjoyed in moderation. However, the more you drink, the more your risk of certain diseases can go up. Find out how many drinks it takes to put you at risk, and how high or low those risks can be.

    Learn more
  • Browse supports

Main navigation

  • Wellbeing
    • Healthy Living
      • Eating Well
      • Staying Active
      • Sleep Habits
      • Mindfulness
    • Emotional
      • Resilience
      • Self-Esteem
      • Loneliness
    • Social
      • Stigma
      • Family
    Image
    Woman outside looking off to the right

    What is Mindfulness?

    You can use mindfulness every day. It’s a tool you can use at any time. It helps you slow down, accept things as they are, cope well with problems, and simply appreciate what’s in your life right now.

    Learn more
  • Mental health
    • Anxiety
      • What to Do About Anxiety
      • Panic Attacks
      • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
    • Depression
      • Symptoms of Depression
      • What to Do About Depression
    • Stress
      • Symptoms of Stress
      • COVID-19 Stress
      • Managing Stress
    • Self-Harm
    • Suicide
    • Seeking Help
      • Families Supporting Youth
      • Youth Supporting Themselves
    Image
    Man sits on couch, looking at smart phone

    Getting Help for Depression

    At first, you may find depression hard to notice in yourself or someone else. Learn what you can do if you are experiencing depression.

    Learn more
  • Substance use
    • Types of Substance Use
      • Alcohol
      • Opioids
      • Stimulants
    • Addiction
      • Addiction and Health
      • Treatment and Recovery
    • Harm Reduction
      • Overdose Prevention
      • Naloxone
      • Drug Checking
    Image
    Two men standing and laughing by a brick wall

    Drinking and Your Health

    Alcohol is a substance that can be enjoyed in moderation. However, the more you drink, the more your risk of certain diseases can go up. Find out how many drinks it takes to put you at risk, and how high or low those risks can be.

    Learn more
  • Browse supports

Top Navigation

  • Our Partners
  • Contact
  • About Us

Help Phone Lines

If you are in need of immediate help, call 9-1-1.

Crisis Line

1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433)

Call if you are experiencing feelings of distress or despair, including thoughts of suicide.

310 Mental Health Support

310-6789 (NO AREA CODE)

Call for emotional support, information and resources specific to mental health.

KUU-US Crisis Response Service

1-800-588-8717

Call for culturally-aware crisis support for Indigenous peoples in B.C.

Wellbeing

Youth Supporting Themselves

Breadcrumb

  1. Home
  2. Mental Health
  3. Seeking Help
  4. Youth Supporting Themselves

Mental health

  • Anxiety
    • What to Do About Anxiety
    • Panic Attacks
    • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
  • Depression
    • Symptoms of Depression
    • What to Do About Depression
  • Stress
    • Symptoms of Stress
    • COVID-19 Stress
    • Managing Stress
  • Self-Harm
  • Suicide
  • Seeking Help
    • Families Supporting Youth
    • Youth Supporting Themselves

As a young person you may at times want to get mental health or substance-use supports on your own.

This could be for a variety of reasons. You might feel like your family will react negatively, or you may have safety concerns. If this is the case, there are ways you can get help for yourself.  

If you are between 12 and 24 years old, you can reach out to Foundry BC. At Foundry BC, you can access services including counselling, peer support, substance-use services, groups, medical appointments, and help seeking employment. Foundry BC has in-person services in various communities across the province, as well as online services through their app, Foundry Virtual.

If you are 13 years old or older, you can attend an intake at a Child and Youth Mental Health clinic on your own or with the support of a trusted adult. An intake appointment is an in-person or virtual conversation with a counsellor to talk about what you are experiencing and the services that may help. The counsellor may recommend a number of options, including supports in the community, additional counselling options or referral to other professionals like a psychologist or therapist. You can learn more about what to expect during a Child and Youth Mental Health intake here. 

You could also consider reaching out to a helpline. This can be a good option if you need help right away. Helplines are also there for you if you just need someone understanding to talk to. Helplines are free, and some can even be accessed using online chat or text message for extra privacy. 
 

Your BC Services Card

You should know that some services require you to show your BC Services Card, also known as your MSP number or care card

You can write down the 10-digit “Personal Health Number” on the back of the card if you can’t bring the physical card with you

Taking a picture of the front and back of your card is another great option

Your school counsellor might also have access to your Services Card number if you don’t know where the card is kept

If you do not have access to your Services Card, you can discuss other options—other services might be available to you without your card

Previous
Next

 

Reaching out for help can be stressful or overwhelming at times—if possible, consider asking a friend, school counsellor or other supportive adult to come with you. 

Here are some places to start if you need some support. 

Additional Tips for Youth

Preparing for Appointments

Speaking to a doctor or counsellor for the first time can be intimidating, especially if you have never gone to an appointment alone before. It might be helpful to speak to a friend or trusted adult to help you prepare. You could also bring a list of questions to ask so you don’t forget.

Often young people think their questions are silly or not important—remember that you have the right to understand what is happening for you, and to learn about different options for support. Helping you understand this is part of a doctor or counsellor’s job.  

You can also ask someone to come with you to help remind you if you get anxious or nervous during appointments. 

Taking Notes

Often, getting support can feel complicated. There may be lots of information for you to remember. It is common for people to take notes during appointments—you can ask your doctor or counsellor to repeat information, or to explain words to you. A friend or trusted adult can also join you in your appointments to take notes if you need help. 

Updating Contact Information

The first time we visit a doctor or counsellor is often with our parents or guardians. If you have visited a provider with your family before, they may have your parent’s contact information on file. You can request that they change the contact information to your own phone number or email if you want to keep appointment reminders and other calls private. 

Can My Parents See When I Have an Appointment?

It is common for youth to worry that their parents will be able to see when they have visited a doctor or counsellor. Your BC Services Card does not track appointments—there is no website or account where your parents can see how many appointments you have had. You can discuss with the provider and their front desk staff whether they can tell your parents or guardians that you have had an appointment. 

Resources

Showing 6 Resources

Foundry BC Youth Clinics

Youth-focused clinics offering free counselling, primary care and more, for ages 12-24. 

Alcohol
Anxiety
Child or youth
Counselling
Culturally safe care
Depression
Drug use
Fraser Health
Help navigating services
In-person services

Foundry BC Youth Clinics

Contact

Abbotsford
Back Abbotsford

101- 32555 Simon Avenue
Abbotsford BC V2T 4Y2
Canada

1-604-746-3392
Email
Website
Campbell River
Back Campbell River

140 10th Avenue
Campbell River BC V9W 4E3
Canada

1-250-286-0611
Email
Website
Comox Valley
Back Comox Valley

575 10th Street
Comox Valley BC V9N 1P9
Canada

250-338-7341
Email
Website
Sun: Closed
Mon: 8:30 am-4:30 pm
Tue: 10:00 am-6:00 pm
Wed: 8:30 am-4:30 pm
Thu: 10:00 am-6:00 pm
Fri: 8:30 am-4:30 pm
Sat: Closed
Kelowna
Back Kelowna

100 - 1815 Kirschner Rd
Kelowna BC V1Y 6G3
Canada

1-236-420-2803
Email
Website
Maple Ridge
Back Maple Ridge

22932 Lougheed Hwy
Maple Ridge BC V2X 2W2
Canada

1-604-380-3133
Email
Website
North Vancouver
Back North Vancouver

211 W. 1st Street
North Vancouver BC V7M 0E3
Canada

1-604-984-5060
Email
Website
Sun: Closed
Mon: 9:00 am-5:00 pm
Tue: 9:00 am-5:00 pm
Wed: 9:00 am-5:00 pm
Thu: 9:00 am-5:00 pm
Fri: 9:00 am-5:00 pm
Sat: Closed
Penticton
Back Penticton

501 Main Street
Penticton BC V2A 5C6
Canada

1-778-646-2292
Email
Website
Prince George
Back Prince George

1148 7th Ave.
Prince George BC V2L 5G6
Canada

1-236-423-1571
Website
Sun: Closed
Mon: 11:00 am-5:00 pm
Tue: 11:00 am-5:00 pm
Wed: 11:00 am-5:00 pm
Thu: 11:00 am-5:00 pm
Fri: 11:00 am-5:00 pm
Sat: Closed
Richmond
Back Richmond

115-8100 Granville Ave
Richmond BC V6Y 1R4
Canada

1-604-674-0550
Email
Website
Sun: Closed
Mon: 9:00 am-4:30 pm
Tue: 9:00 am-4:30 pm
Wed: 9:00 am-4:30 pm
Thu: 9:00 am-4:30 pm
Fri: 9:00 am-4:30 pm
Sat: Closed
Terrace
Back Terrace

101-3219 Eby Street
Terrace BC V8G 4R3
Canada

1-250-635-5596
Email
Website
Sun: Closed
Mon: 10:00 am-6:00 pm
Tue: 10:00 am-6:00 pm
Wed: 10:00 am-6:00 pm
Thu: 10:00 am-6:00 pm
Fri: 10:00 am-6:00 pm
Sat: Closed
Vancouver
Back Vancouver

1260 Granville St.
Vancouver BC V6Z 1M4
Canada

1-604-806-9415
Email
Website
Sun: Closed
Mon: 10:00 am-6:00 pm
Tue: 10:00 am-6:00 pm
Wed: 10:00 am-6:00 pm
Thu: 10:00 am-6:00 pm
Fri: 10:00 am-6:00 pm
Sat: Closed
Victoria
Back Victoria

818 Douglas Street
Victoria BC V8W 2B6
Canada

1-250-383-3552
Email
Website

About

Foundry BC has youth-focused clinics offering counselling, primary care and more.

Description

Foundry BC offers young people, ages 12-24, health and wellness resources, services and supports – online and through integrated service centres in communities across B.C.

Foundry centres are non-judgemental spaces that give young people access to mental health and substance use services, primary care, social services, and referrals to specialized mental health care. Peer support workers can help youth and their families navigate their experience and access the supports that are right for them. Clinicians can refer to specialized care including psychiatry.

Find an in-person Foundry centre near you.

Alcohol
Anxiety
Child or youth
Counselling
Culturally safe care
Depression
Drug use
Fraser Health
Help navigating services
In-person services
Interior Health
Island Health
Mental health care
Mental health intake
Northern Health
Parent or caregiver
Peer support
Relationship or family violence
Stress
Support groups
Treatment services
Understanding mental health
Understanding wellness
Vancouver Coastal Health
Wellness programs
Find support
Learn More

Foundry BC Virtual Services

Free phone, video and online intake, peer support and counselling for young people (ages 12-24) and their families. 

Alcohol
Anxiety
Child or youth
Counselling
Culturally safe care
Depression
Drug use
Fraser Health
Help navigating services
Interior Health

Foundry BC Virtual Services

Contact

1-833-308-6379
Email
Website
Sun: Closed
Mon: 1:15 pm-9:00 pm
Tue: 1:15 pm-9:00 pm
Wed: 1:15 pm-9:00 pm
Thu: 1:15 pm-9:00 pm
Fri: 1:15 pm-9:00 pm
Sat: Closed

About

Foundry BC is offering free phone, video and online chat clinics for young people.

Description

Young people aged 12-24 and their families can access youth-focused counselling, peer support, primary care and family support over the phone, video and chat through Foundry BC .

Foundry centres are non-judgemental spaces that give young people access to mental health care, substance use services, primary care, social services and youth and family peer supports.

To book an appointment or learn more about available services call 1-833-FØUNDRY (FØUNDRY with a zero or 1-833-308-6379) between 1:15pm to 9 pm Monday to Friday. You can also email online@foundrybc.ca or register online.

Alcohol
Anxiety
Child or youth
Counselling
Culturally safe care
Depression
Drug use
Fraser Health
Help navigating services
Interior Health
Island Health
Mental health care
Mental health intake
Northern Health
Parent or caregiver
Peer support
Relationship or family violence
Stress
Support groups
Understanding mental health
Understanding wellness
Vancouver Coastal Health
Virtual supports
Wellness programs
Learn more
Learn More

Child and Youth Mental Health Clinics

Free mental health clinics for children and youth in locations across B.C. 

Addiction and recovery
Alcohol
Anxiety
Child or youth
Counselling
Culturally safe care
Depression
Drug use
Eating and body image
Fraser Health

Child and Youth Mental Health Clinics

Contact

Website

About

Find a child and youth mental health clinic near you.

Description

The Ministry of Children and Family Development's Child and Youth Mental Health (CYMH) teams located across B.C. provide a range of mental health assessment and treatment options for children and youth (0-18 years of age) and their families at no cost. 

Clinics are staffed by mental health clinicians, psychologists, and psychiatrists. Clinicians can refer to specialized care including psychiatry.

Find an intake clinic close to you.

 

Addiction and recovery
Alcohol
Anxiety
Child or youth
Counselling
Culturally safe care
Depression
Drug use
Eating and body image
Fraser Health
Help navigating services
In-person services
Interior Health
Island Health
Mental health care
Mental health intake
Northern Health
Parent or caregiver
Relationship or family violence
Stress
Support groups
Treatment services
Understanding mental health
Understanding wellness
Vancouver Coastal Health
Virtual supports
Wellness programs
Find support
Learn More

YouthSpace.ca

Online, phone and text support for youth and adults under 30 looking for a non-judgmental, listening ear.

Alcohol
Anxiety
Child or youth
Counselling
Depression
Drug use
Help hotlines
Help navigating services
In crisis
Island Health

YouthSpace.ca

Contact

1-250-386-6328
Send text
Email
Website

About

Online, phone and text crisis support with trained professional for youth looking for a non-judgmental listening ear.

Description

Youthspace.ca (NEED2) provides mental health support and crisis management to children and youth up to 30 years. No matter your background, religion, race, ability, sexual orientation, gender identity, lifestyle or culture, Youthspace.ca provides a non-judgmental space for emotional support. Chats online or through text are usually 40-60 minutes long.

Youth can anonymously reach out over the phone, via text or online to professionally trained volunteers and staff who are able to provide supportive listening, help with exploring options, risk assessment, collaborative safety planning, and connection to resources in the community or online. Email counselling is also offered.

Youth counsellors are trained to provide support for issues, including: relationships, family conflict, school and work challenges, addictions and substance use, violence and abuse, and mental, physical and sexual health. Emails are kept confidential.

Alcohol
Anxiety
Child or youth
Counselling
Depression
Drug use
Help hotlines
Help navigating services
In crisis
Island Health
Mental health care
Peer support
Post-secondary student
Relationship or family violence
Stress
Understanding mental health
Virtual supports
Get help
Learn More

Youth in BC Crisis Online Chat

Chat with a crisis responder online: chat is available from Noon to 1 am in B.C. and Yukon.

Child or youth
Fraser Health
Help hotlines
Help navigating services
In crisis
Interior Health
Island Health
Northern Health
Vancouver Coastal Health
Virtual supports

Youth in BC Crisis Online Chat

Contact

Email
Website
Sun: 12:00 pm-1:00 am
Mon: 12:00 pm-1:00 am
Tue: 12:00 pm-1:00 am
Wed: 12:00 pm-1:00 am
Thu: 12:00 pm-1:00 am
Fri: 12:00 pm-1:00 am
Sat: 12:00 pm-1:00 am

About

Youth can chat with a crisis responder online to get immediate help.

Description

Youth in BC is a program of the Crisis Centre.

It connects youth with support, information and resources.

Call for mental health support and information. 

Child or youth
Fraser Health
Help hotlines
Help navigating services
In crisis
Interior Health
Island Health
Northern Health
Vancouver Coastal Health
Virtual supports
Get help
Learn More

Helpline for Children and Youth (MCFD)

A 24-hour helpline for children or youth who feel unsafe, confused, or scared and wish to talk with a social worker.

Child or youth
Fraser Health
Help hotlines
In crisis
Interior Health
Island Health
Northern Health
Vancouver Coastal Health

Helpline for Children and Youth (MCFD)

Contact

310-1234
(no area code needed)
Website

About

A 24-hour helpline for children and youth.

Description

Call this helpline if you are a child or youth who feels unsafe, confused, or scared and wishes to talk with someone. The line is answered by child protection social workers, through the Ministry of Children and Family Development.

You do not need an area code. You can call at any time of the day or night and you do not have to give your name.

Child or youth
Fraser Health
Help hotlines
In crisis
Interior Health
Island Health
Northern Health
Vancouver Coastal Health
Learn more
Learn More

Supports and Services

Browse supports

About

  • About Us
  • Contact
  • Accessibility
  • Disclaimer
  • Privacy

Emergency Contact Information

Call 9-1-1 if you are in an emergency. For mental health support, call:

Crisis Line

1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433)

Mental Health Support Line

310-6789 (no area code needed)

View in other languages

google translate icon
Copyright ©2021

Emergency Contacts

Crisis Line

1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433)

Mental Health Support

310-6789